The Online Editors Alliance has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned an open threat issued by a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP) against journalists and the media.

In a statement sent to the media on Tuesday (July 8), the Alliance’s President Hasan Sharif and General Secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel said, “The media is the fourth pillar of the state and an integral part of the democratic framework. If anyone is aggrieved by a media report, they have the option to seek redress through the Press Council or the courts as per existing laws. Threatening or intimidating the media cannot be allowed to shrink the space for independent journalism.”

They further stated, “Independent journalism and freedom of expression are the core foundations of a democratic state. Any attempt by an individual or group to threaten or intimidate the media is tantamount to violating democratic values and constitutional rights, which is utterly unacceptable.”

The statement expressing concern and condemnation was issued on behalf of the Online Editors Alliance by Masud Bin Abdur Razzaque.

Notably, NCP’s Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah recently issued threats against the media. Earlier, the National Press Club had also expressed concern over similar actions by Hasnat Abdullah without naming him directly.